Le Mas du Loriot, Murs-en-Provence: Each room of this haven near Gordes has a private terrace with a magnificent view–a small lavender field, and far behind it the mighty Luberon massif. Doubles, $56-$143; Route de Joucas; 011-33-490-72-62-62, masduloriot.com.
La Begude Saint-Pierre, Vers-Pont du Gard: American-style amenities are rare in French hotels, but this country inn does what it can. Rooms are spacious, beds are large and there’s a sauna, pool and small gym room. And then there’s the French part: glorious countryside views, 17th-century stone buildings and a gourmet restaurant (prix fixe dinner, $35- $58). Doubles, $83-$143; D 981 Les Coudoulieres; 011-33-466-63-63-63, hotel-saintpierre.fr.
Hotel du General d’Entraigues, Uzes: This classy hotel is ensconced in a series of 15th- and 18th-century private houses just in front of St. Theodorit Cathedral and the Tour Fenestrelle in this jewel-like town. There’s a gorgeous, though shallow, rooftop pool with a patio bar and views of the cathedral. Doubles, $65-$178; 8 Rue de la Calade, Place de l’Eveche; 011-33-466-22-32-68, hoteldentraigues.com.
Hotel de l’Amphitheatre, Arles: New owners have almost completely renovated these chic lodgings, exposing amazing 17th-century wood-beam ceilings. The Belvedere ($161), which has a 360-degree view of the rooftops of Arles, may be worth a splurge. All rooms are air-conditioned. Doubles, $58-$106; 5-7 Rue Diderot; 011-33-490-96-10-30, hotelamphitheatre.fr.
Hotel Cardinal, Aix-en-Provence: In the upscale tourist hub of Aix-en-Provence, lodgings tend to be extremely expensive–or bare-bones. Hotel Cardinal is a rare compromise. Don’t be put off by the shabby lobby–the 18th-century –building is being slowly renovated, and the ebullient owner made the guest rooms her first priority. Doubles, $77; 24 Rue Cardinale, 011-33-442-38-32-30.
